praise is the thief of knowledge

A+

What comes to mind?

 Perhaps perfection or an achievement of excellence

Something to attain

Words of congrats, feelings of superiority

Job well done.

I overheard a father at the table next to mine

Encouraging his teenage daughter on her test score

She boasted proudly

The school subject and the grade were all that were mentioned

And I couldn’t help but envision

Something more

Perhaps a daughter passionate to relive what she had learned

Her young eager voice sparking the air with fired synapses

The strength of her wit reborn in our ears

Not dead on arrival at A+

We are celebrated for this tiny proud letter adorned by a plus

And instead of thriving off of what we learn to warrant the symbol

We all too often leave the lesson by the wayside

And shuffle on dressed in only the praise

Our tiny egos pulsing and growing

While our minds scramble to retain